Helicopter flying through Tower Bridge
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: London
Helicopter flying through Tower Bridge
Helicopter to fly through Tower Bridge
One of those routine Port of London Authority notices that makes you sigh, open to see what it is then sit up and type WHAT is very loud letters. Such moments are why I subscribe to them – for those rare nuggets of joy in the operational tedium.
In a couple of weeks time there will be filming along the Thames involving a helicopter.
And it is going to fly THROUGH Tower Bridge on one of the evenings.
The official notice sayth:
8th June 2012 10.00 – 20.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness at various locations.
9th June 2012 10.00 – 22.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness including a flight through Tower Bridge (Late evening).
Contingency
10th June 2012 06.00 – 20.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness at various locations. If required.
I think it is fair to suggest that an awful lot of people will be in the area on that Saturday evening looking out for a helicopter doing something we are unlikely to see again.
I gather this is filming for a James Bond movie, although that is not confirmed. Then again, it does sound very bond-like.
In a couple of weeks time there will be filming along the Thames involving a helicopter.
And it is going to fly THROUGH Tower Bridge on one of the evenings.
The official notice sayth:
8th June 2012 10.00 – 20.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness at various locations.
9th June 2012 10.00 – 22.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness including a flight through Tower Bridge (Late evening).
Contingency
10th June 2012 06.00 – 20.00 Battersea Rail Bridge to Wappingness at various locations. If required.
I think it is fair to suggest that an awful lot of people will be in the area on that Saturday evening looking out for a helicopter doing something we are unlikely to see again.
I gather this is filming for a James Bond movie, although that is not confirmed. Then again, it does sound very bond-like.
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Joined: Nov 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 64
From: Alles über die platz
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 3
From: Milano, Italia
Given that the article refers also to Hawker Hunters and flying boats .. I thought I might mention that a Saunders Roe (Nautical) SRN4 hovercraft, The Princess Margaret, also 'flew' through the bridge in 1969:
Seaspeed's SRN4 'The Princess Margaret' passes through Tower Bridge during a promotional exercise along the Thames in 1969
In the video (at 0:42) a Westland Widgeon momentarily appears
Seaspeed's SRN4 'The Princess Margaret' passes through Tower Bridge during a promotional exercise along the Thames in 1969
In the video (at 0:42) a Westland Widgeon momentarily appears
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: UK
I have flown over Tower Bridge many years ago in a Bell 47. It is on the standard single engined helicopter route through London. I could have flown under the bridge, but above the road, quite easily. I would have had my collar felt by the CAA if I had done though. There is plenty of room as can be seen from the picture from TRC above.
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 3
From: Milano, Italia
So did anyone catch of glimpse of the 'act' yesterday? My 'Brit-sources' tell me there was a white and blue/green 109 Grand in the vicinity (or at least circling along the Thames) yesterday afternoon!
Indeed. Lol!
TRC, were you involved with the red 355?
Go on then Overt .. enlighten us please!
The most difficult thing about the "stunt" is getting CAA permission to do it!
TRC, were you involved with the red 355?
The "RAF Merlin" shown in the Trailer is not an RAF Merlin at all!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 0
Likes: 2
From: Southwater
I was up there to-day having disembarked off a boat at Westminster pier. The two helicopters made lots of very (to me) low level passes around the river environs and around the Palace of Westminster. It looked really great in the weather conditions.
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 3
From: Milano, Italia
Long overdue that an Agusta appeared in a Bond movie. Well done!
Does anyone know who the drivers were?
I must say that I do hope that Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli can reprise the success of Casino Royale because their last effort, the awkwardly named 'Quantum of Solace' (I mean really!) was, in a word, awful!
Does anyone know who the drivers were?
I must say that I do hope that Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli can reprise the success of Casino Royale because their last effort, the awkwardly named 'Quantum of Solace' (I mean really!) was, in a word, awful!
Joined: Jun 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 252
Likes: 5
From: Norwich
What makes everyone think this is the Bond movie??
Skyfall is due for release in 4 months - I'd be surprised if they were filming this late. It might be that they need a few extra shots, so its not impossible, but I'd imagine it was all 'In the Can' by now.
Skyfall is due for release in 4 months - I'd be surprised if they were filming this late. It might be that they need a few extra shots, so its not impossible, but I'd imagine it was all 'In the Can' by now.
Joined: Jun 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 252
Likes: 5
From: Norwich
Answered my own question. Bit of Googling, and the Daily Express says it is for the Olympics - so, must be true??!!
A couple of clips online. A practice flypast and then three formation passes under the walkways.
A couple of clips online. A practice flypast and then three formation passes under the walkways.
Last edited by Special 25; 10th June 2012 at 07:27.
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town / UK / Europe
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Joined: Nov 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 64
From: Alles über die platz
The Express actually says;
Express.co.uk
One eye witness said: “A crowd started to gather as the helicopters swirled. People seemed to think they were filming for a James Bond film.”
The Port of London Authority said the choppers were filming footage for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The Port of London Authority said the choppers were filming footage for the upcoming Olympic Games.